Therapeutic Bath After Tour At Maquinit Hot Spring

As someone who doesn’t have an in depth knowledge about the town of Coron, I didn’t know and didn’t even plan on going to Maquinit Hot Springs. Our original itinerary only includes Kayangan Lake, Barracuda Lake and Twin Lagoon. We thought of limiting our destinations as few as possible so we could spend a little more time in our accommodation, Tag Resort, since the hotel was already an attraction on its own.

However, plans changed when we met our friend doctor who is assigned in Coron. After landing at Busuanga Airport, we just checked in our bags at Tag Resort. He pulled us out from hotel, made us eat in Sharky’s and brought us at Maquinit Hot Springs.

Being a spring connected to sea, Maquinit Hot Spring is one of the only few saltwater hot springs in the world. It was a wonder because some locals say there isn’t a volcano near the area for its water to have high temperature. But there’s a discovery that an active underwater volcano fuels the water flow. 

Our friend highly recommended the hot springs, especially after a tiring activity. Most tourists visit the hot spring after climbing Mount Tapyas, the second tallest mountain and a tourist destination in Coron. The warmth of the spring will truly sooth the muscles in sore. However, we skipped the hiking part because we are with an adult who is prone to body aches.

We immediately headed our way to Maquinit Hot Spring after lunch. It was a three-kilometer ride from the town proper but it would be a bumpy one. The road going there is narrow and rough. It gets even muddy when it rains. It is literally like a mountain trail. It even made us think, “Are we really headed to somewhere worth-going?”

Upon arrival, I just can’t believe what I witnessed. I thought that it’s like a typical water basin on a mountain. I was surprised to see a hot spring that is restored and developed into what looks like a nature park with circular pools. With the view of sea beyond, the spring almost looks like an infinity pool. It’s indeed a calming sight!

However, instead of a tiled pool, the management retained the natural forest vibe by using piled and cemented stones as walls and strewn pebbles for its flooring. The bottom may hurt my soles but, for me, the overall design is a good idea. I like the rust-colored walls as it gives accent to the green trees and and teal spring water.

My companions, who first dipped, said that the spring water’s heat was unbearable at first. But the body will eventually get used to it. As a person who is accustomed to hot shower with heater set at its highest temperature, the water felt just right. Regardless of our tolerance, we all agree that the bath is definitely therapeutic. I closed my eyes and all physical and inner tension swayed away with the flow of water.

I opened my eyes and the feeling is just as serene. The surrounding mangroves and trees add enchantment to the place. The greenery here is so thick that it’s impossible not to relax. Hence, it’s an attraction not only to tourists but also to fauna. With the sound of leaves rustling and birds chirping, you’ll literally have a bath within a jungle.

Although there are a lot of groups having their trip in Maquinit Hot Spring, they will never run out of cabanas to shelter. Cottages and patios of different kinds are everywhere. There are also tables and benches around the pool. I don’t know about the food rules here or whether there is a corkage or none. Nonetheless, it would be fun sharing your food platters in these huts.

Speaking of food, there’s a mini stall inside that looks like a sari-sari store. You may buy drinks and snacks here. I don’t know if there are heavy meals though. But some says that there are beers available so it’s a perfect companion for chilling. But in this kind of garden setting, I’m picturing a coffee shop. It would be good sipping coffee here.

On the other side of the hot spring, there is wooden boardwalk going to the sea bay. Along the way, I was able to appreciate the trees and shrubs in the coastal part as this location gives them a better view. For me, this is the most scenic part of Maquinit Hot Spring because aside from the mangroves, the panorama of the sea stretching to Coron Island is peeking. You may want to stay here after dipping in the thermal pool.